The right packaging:

The packaging can be made of cardboard or any other material which can guarantee the parcel will be secure. However, it cannot be damaged, i.e.: torn apart, pierced, wet, crumpled, etc.

The more precautions you take, the smaller the risk is. This is the reason why the items should be protected also inside the packaging.

You should remember about “cushioning materials” which work as shock-absorbing measures for the contents of the shipment. You can use cardboard pieces, styrofoam peanuts, crumpled paper, etc.

The packaging must be of the right size for the items you want to send. If you can see any bumps after you place them in the cardboard box, you should replace the box with a bigger one.

Fragile items should be packed with special care, paying attention to a possibility they can be crushed, get wet or exposed to shocks, etc.

The right packaging makes the shipment of the parcel safe and it is also a basis for any future claims.

The things which should be remembered in particular:

The parcel must not contain any fluid, corrosive substances or any other hazardous products covered by ADR convention. It might result in damage of other parcels, shipment delays and serious penalties as a consequence (ADR – international treaty that governs transnational transport of hazardous materials, concluded in Geneva on 30 September 1957. It was ratified by Poland in 1975).

Single containers must not be glued together creating one parcel. They (or their contents) should be packed in the right way in one bigger cardboard box.

Improper packaging can be a reason for rejecting any possible claims.

In case of any doubts relating packaging or the contents, you can contact Ar-Speed employees.

Packing fragile articles

Items which are very fragile (glass, china, etc.) should be put in a cardboard box and secured with a special material (e.g. bubble wrap). On the outside of the packaging there should be a visible warning written in two languages: “Fragile – ostrożnie szkło!”.

The items such as mirrors, pictures etc. – the ones that need special care – should be secured with many layers of bubble wrap and additionally covered with hard cardboard inside of the packaging.

Characteristics of proper packaging

The cardboard must be of good quality, it should be hard and intact, preferably made of corrugated board. You should remember that during the shipment one or more other parcels can be placed on the top of your package.

You should not use a box which is too small because there is not enough room for cushioning materials and the parcel will not be secured right.

In case of cardboard boxes which are not new, you should pay special attention to the condition of the places where the cardboard is glued. Any damages are the reason why the box should not be used.

When you buy a new cardboard box it is good to check the quality marking of its manufacturer.

Using second hand boxes is environmental friendly but their quality must be consistent with required standards.

Selection of cushioning materials

Depending on the kind of the shipped items, you can use different kinds of cushioning materials, the so-called buffers.

The buffers include Styrofoam pieces, large foam peanuts, pieces of hard cardboard or other hard materials (wood, plywood, etc.).

The selected inflexible or flexible materials should be fitted to secure the items inside the packaging.

The buffers should prevent individual fragile items from moving and touching other items or the cardboard sides; they also should reduce vibrations and any other shocks.

The right selected buffers prevent the items from touching the cardboard sides even in case of compression .

Special kinds of products require packaging which is specially designed. In such cases you should use the cushioning materials according to the instructions provided on the product package.

Internal protection should be used on all sides of the packaging, with special attention paid to the top of it (cover).

If you use buffers which are too small they can move inside the package during shipment and the items can touch the cardboard sides as a result.

The right position of the parcel contents

When packing fragile items, special attention should be paid to their right positioning in the box and proper marking on the top of the cardboard box.

Any movement of the items inside the box results in the risk of damage.

If you can feel the items are moving inside the box when you try to shake it, you should repack them.

Protection sealing

The protection, which is additional and often recommended, is sealing the package with a tape (plastic or strapping tape).

The packaging of very heavy articles should be protected by metal foil tape.

The recommended tape should be two inches wide and it should be applied in the form of double T.

Hazardous products require the tape which is 3 inches wide according to the law.

Warning labels

Fragile items should be marked with the right labels: “glass, top, caution, etc.”

The labels should be permanently attached to the packaging in a visible place. Any tags which can be easily removed should not be used.

The labels should not be attached on the sealing element, on the surface of the sealing tape and in places where the cardboard box is closed.

Audio/video devices and home appliances

If you have the manufacturer’s packaging you should use it in case of shipment of electronic devices and home appliances. If this packaging is damaged, it should be additionally placed in a new cardboard box.

While securing the shipment inside (and the cardboard box outside) you should follow the instructions described in the tab FRAGILE ITEMS.

Electrical and electronic devices should not be connected to the mains right after they are delivered. The manual of the equipment usually specifies how long you should wait. You should consider that the devices might be cool or humid inside.

Before shipment you should remove any grease or fluid from the elements or parts of the machinery and equipment.

You should remember that bigger and heavier parcels usually require stronger packaging.

In case of audio/video devices and home appliances, it is good to remember about additional protection for the packaging corners.

You must not forget about warning labels (“Careful!”, “top”, etc.) and the right positioning of the item in the box.

Packaging rules for bicycles

The saddle should be as low as possible and the handlebar should be parallel to the bicycle frame.

Any moveable and fragile parts (Derailleur gears, lights, etc.) should be additionally protected.

If you have the manufacturer’s packaging you should use it.

Factors resulting in shipping damage

During shipment each parcel is exposed to some factors that cannot be completely eliminated. They include vibrations, shocks and pressure. Of course, the impact of these factors is reduced to their minimum level by Ar-Speed company which uses modern equipment and works according to strict rules relating courier deliveries. Regardless of the above, one should always remember that the best way to prevent possible shipping damage is to secure the parcel in the right way.

While packing a parcel one should remember that:

PRESSURE AND CRUSHING can occur even during severe braking (which cannot be avoided on the route). It results in inertial effects which are also influenced by the parcel weight.

SHOCKS usually occur in case of uneven road surface. In such situations, fragile objects, which are not secured in the right way, can break or crush.

VIBRATIONS are an inherent effect of the engine operation and vehicle movement. They can result in micro-cracks in case of fragile objects which are not secured right. They can also make loose and small shock-absorbing pellets move to one side of the package which is the reason why packaging is not secured anymore.

Thus, the more precautions you take the better they are. One should remember especially about strong container, some cushioning materials and buffers (e.g. bubble wrap).